(I'm working on moving! When I get everything arranged, you'll just be able to go here. It'll definitely be live next year. And then I can share the love! (AKA, the authorship).)
So you're interested in NaNoWriMo. Congratulations! You are a very special person. If you've already checked out the site, good for you. If you've made an account, even better! For those of you who came straight here, I'll give you the basics: 30 Days, 30 Nights, 50,000 Words.
Don't panic. It's not as bad as it sounds. That's not even a full-length novel. It's only a baby one.
So, hundreds of thousands of people, all getting together to attempt to pound out a novel amongst the busy-ness of school, work, nosy relatives, and life in general. Insanity, right? Exactly. But a ton of fun too. But I'm not here to go into depth. If you want to know more about rules and rebels, check out the FAQs. Not only are they very informative, they are highly entertaining.
First, general instructions on how to get hooked up *coughs*, okay, connected with other WriMos. Join the Cleveland group! If you look on my profile, you can see that my home region is "Elsewhere" because home is in the middle of nowhere, but I've also joined the Cleveland region, which is just fine! You're here for November, so get plugged in. There are going to be write-ins throughout November plus a Kick-Off and a TGIO party. You want to come to at least some of them! I'll list them below, and the ML for our region, GeologyGirl should have them posted in the forums soon.
Also, stay active on the forums, make some friends, get a writing buddy, or two! Knowing that people know you're trying to write a novel is a good inspiration to do so! Now, for the first few days in October the site will probably be a bit shaky. This is normal. It happens in November too. :)
If we manage to work up enough participants on campus, I'm hoping to start some weekly write-ins here too, in case some people can't make it to the others. But we have to have some interest, so talk to me! Leave a comment, send me NaNoMail, post on the forums, or send me an e-mail (avanbure09[at]mail.bw.edu). I'll be glad to answer any questions I can.
Happy Writing!
Ley
All these events are at the Cuyahoga County branch libraries. They're all from 2:00-4:00 on Saturdays, so you have no excuse not to come!
Kick-Off
Oct. 24 - Parma Heights
Write-Ins
Nov. 7 - Fairview Park
Nov. 14 - Strongsville
Nov. 21 - Solon
Nov. 28 - Chagrin Falls
Thank Goodness It's Over party (TGIO)
Dec. 5 - North Royalton
Also there are meetings on Thursdays at Panera Bread on I-480 and Tiedeman in Brooklyn from 7:00-9:00/9:30-ish pm.
And best of all, write-ins at the CyberCafe in the Student Union. You'll see me sitting down there with a Novelists at work sign, and my laptop. Tuesdays evenings from 6:00-9:00! Even if you can't stay long, stop by and say high! I'm going to have a posterboard for wordcounts, just because I think that's fun. *grins*
Other BW WriMos:
dreamer freak - Ashley (me!)
dark_anime_real_1 - Katie
Cquinn91
dirkpitt287
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
NaNoWriMo: In the Beginning
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cafeteria Creeper: Episode 2
In the Lang Dining Hall sat five zombies... and one human (Dinner anyone?), discussing strategy for turning certain persons. Methinks we have a traitor among the ranks.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Waiting....
I should be writing. Writing while I'm waiting, yeah? Well, I guess technically I am writing, but writing on What Verina Did, not writing a random, pointless blog post. I'm too distractable currently. I'm in the CyberCafe waiting until 7:00, waiting for Cadence, and the internship fair is goign on. People, booths everywhere. Me, standing out in my green, fuzzy hoodie, my stripped fingerless gloves.
Gosh, I really am in a prose mood. I should just get on with it. I didn't write yesterday! I'm behind! And just think... Seeing my words in print. Ah, now Sloane would get a kick out of that.
He's such a jerk. And I love him anyway. After all, he's straight out of my mind, heart and soul. Just like all the others.
*purple proses splatters the pages... it's sort of like Cat in the Hat, actually*
Even my visuals are purple. Ach....
Maybe I do need a vacation. I do know a friend with a murder on his hands who might need some assistance....
P.S. Crystal, get your butt moving, girly.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Cafeteria Creeper: Episode 1
"I'm a firm believer that the four main food groups are caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and sugar."
Oh the things you hear in the cafeteria... or The Book and Bean in this case.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
First Day of NaNo!
AAIIIEEEE!!! So excited!
Canna tell, eh?
I've almost hit the daily goal, and I'm well over my personal daily goal. booyah. Sloane's already gotten himself into a mess, and he hasn't even hit it yet. He's not gonna know what the heck just ran him over. *grins*
Off to torment not-so-innocent characters!
Ley
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Good Day
Sure, classes have been fine. Work went well. That's not it.
I finally did it. I've been intending to for the past, oh, two, three weeks. Took me long enough. Call it the devil on my shoulder trying to talk me out of it.
I finally donated to RadioU and NaNoWriMo like I've been meaning to. The Keepers of my Sanity, via God.
So. It's a good day.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Frozen Grapefruit and Other Surprising Things
Yes, my grapefruit was frozen yesterday morning. That's what I get for putting it in the fridge. It was much less messy than usual, however, so the next grapefruit went in there too. Frozen grapefruit and squishy popsicles.... Our fridge just can't seem to make up its mind. (And Mom, they are very good, by the way.)
NaNoWriMo, as I'm sure you all know, just by way of connection to me, is just around the corner. Six days, in fact! Yes, I'm counting. I'll be home on the first day of NaNo, so I'm warning you in advance. Don't expect much out of me on Sunday. If I can get a headstart, well, I'll take it. I figure, with the Saturday write-ins, and my own BW write-ins on Tuesday nights, I'll be able to get five hours a week of writing. If I can manage 1,000 words an hour, that's 20k right there. Only 10,000 more to stick into other cracks and crannies over the rest of the month. Doesn't sound half bad that way, huh?
NaNo is on the mind. I have to do a ten minute presentation in German class, and yes, in German, on any topic of my choice. Guess. Yup, National Novel Writing Month. I had way to much fun playing with Power Point. (Imagine: "Ooh, colors!")
I am also going to make a posterboard for everybody's wordcounts. With stickers! Everybody loves stickers. My project tomorrow. In between homework, that is.
I got an 86% on my German midterms (surprising things, I said, didn't I?), which made me quite glad, though it may have dropped my grade down to a B+. I do what I can. :)
Christine gave me stickers. Hehe.
I've been playing DragonFable again recently. It's very addictive. I think I be in luv. It will make a great procrastination tool for NaNoWriMo. Especially with WiFi everywhere!
Off again. I shall try to post soon.
Love, Ashley
Monday, October 19, 2009
!
I was stunned today as I left history class. We finally received our third essays back, a book essay on Innocent Traitor, which unfortunately, I did not finish. Good book though. The essay, totally winged in the forty minutes we had. I got lucky with the topic. Apparently I also picked the less popular one, good move, I guess.
I came out of there with 40 points out of 40. And I didn't even get the bonus questions right. A perfect essay. Gott sei Dank.
This will never happen again. Yeesh.
Friday, October 09, 2009
*Sniffle*
I just about had a breakdown of major proportions.
But, yeah, it's all good now. *sighs*
I had a paper due today, worth 30% of my grade, and I hadn't had an opportunity to work on it until today after classes. (I'm not a bad student, really...) Anyway, I'm like okay, I have until midnight, I'm cool. Until I get the notice that the blackboard, where I have to turn in my paper, is going down at 10:00 tonight for repairs. Grrr...
But I got my paper done. Not quite as long as it should be, 1450 instead of 1800, but I think it's good. And this professor likes my writing. Okay, I might make this. And I got done on time. Bonus, right?
So, I'm re-reading it one last time, word-padding here and there (practice for November... and maybe tomorrow), and pushing the time just a little. But I save it, pull up the site, upload the file, and hit submit... And the internet goes down. Suddenly the tears that have been threatening are about to shower. No freakin' way!
But it's all good. I sent it, I'm alright. I gonna crash now, and try to get over this miserable cold. Cool?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Randomness!
"If you rip, tear, shred, bend, fold, deface, disfigure, smear, smudge, throw, drop, or in any other manner damage, mistreat, or show lack of respect towards this book, the consequences will be as awful as it is within my power to make them."
I saw that and just had to post it, because it describes my attitide near on perfectly. *grins*
Sunday, October 04, 2009
I've Just Fallen in Love....
....With white chocolate and coconut. Ehehehehe. *grins*
Aren't you jealous?
Almost....
Almost.... what, I'm not sure. But almost. Yes, I can feel it in my gut. Or is that the entire package of ramen noodles I just ate? *puzzles briefly* Either way, it's almost... something.
In more definitive news, I finally finished my production review and turned it in. That means I just have to do German homework and write a rough draft of my English paper. Easy... sure.
In more pleasant news, I actually went to church this morning! Cadence picked me up, and we went to Grace, the CMA church. The worship was good, the sermon was fine. And I went to Cadence's house for a while after, which was just as good for my soul as church was.
In... other (I tried, I really did.) news, yesterday when I was working (unsuccessfully) on the production review, I did manage to write 500 words on something fun. I'm not sure if that qualifies as strictly good, since it was a form of procrastination at the time, but still. It made me happy. (See the sentence! -->)
Speaking of procrastination....
Friday, October 02, 2009
Long Time, No Write!
Oops! I've been so busy this week, I'm afraid this just got ignored. Today, as you might know, is the 2nd day of October. I'm already a day behind!
It's NaNoWriMo Recruitment Month! YaY! I'm going to be hanging flyers everywhere, and coordinating all sorts of fun things if I can find the time amongst the homework. First project: Write a sticky post for this blog. I'm going to leave my blog address on the posters, just so people can get more info about NaNoWriMo here on campus. Community is what this is all about!
Wow, I'm kinda brain numb just now.
Ooh! I'm playing in a skit at Oktober Fest tonight with Katie, and I play a little girl Heidi. So I get to bring Zee with me. I'm happy. Now I just have to try to find some cutesy clothes to wear. o.O Yeah, lots of luck with that one. Zee will be glad to get out and about though. :)
Off to work on my intro post before history. I think we get our essays back today! *gulps*
Love, Ashley
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Ach!
Roommates? It's the people next door I want to strangle.... I have never heard people who are so loud all the time as these girls. They're utterly, and completely annoying. And somebody always has their boyfriend over. If I turned down my music, I could hear every word they say. Why do you think I play it in the first place?
Grrrr......
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!
Yeah, I know, twice in one night, but you have to watch. And I mean everyone!
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Cadence
So today was a busy day. School til 3:00. Back to the dorm to unpack my bag and get my homework sorted. Over to the library to print off a history assignment. A mile walk to the picnic, where I walked some more with Katie, Tim and Elwin. Awww. So cute, he is. (Elwin, that is. *grins*) Supper, talk with Herr Hollender and Tim and Katie. Tim is seriously nice. Some more talk after supper, including Melissa. Herr Hollender tried to shove leftovers on us. Failed. :)
Then the walk to The Book and Bean around six-ish. As soon as I walk in I meet eyes with an older lady, salt and pepper hair. "Ashley?" And such began a beautiful relationship. *smiles* Seriously, we talked for 3 hours. When have you known me to do that? We talked about everything, writing, NaNo, relationships. Everything. Oh my gosh, she has [editted due to sensitivity of content] completed novels. She writes constantly. It amazes me.
After a drink at Book and Bean, which she kindly paid for with a gift card she's had for nearly two years! LOL Then we went for a rather long and enjoyable walk. We went to both of the rose gardens in Berea, and wandered over the sidewalks at Coe Lake. Last week was Art... something. Anyway, there were chalk drawings all over the place, and some of them were really good. There was one of Jack Skelton! Hehe.
Over all we just had a wonderful time. We have a lot in common and she's a really strong Christian. I'm so glad she e-mailed me that day. :D Another of those God-arranged events. There's been a lot of those lately. Or maybe I'm just noticing them more.
And thank God for happy pills. *laughs*
Oh, as a P.S., I got a 88 on my first paper! So happy! Thank God. *giggles*
Okay, I'm a little high still. I get that way when I've had a really good happening. Though I've stopped shaking anyway.
*is singing Family Force 5*
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Siebold!
I went to the library today, which is of course exciting in and of itself, but I went specifically to pick up a book I had on hold: Mercy Thompson: Homecoming, which is the sequel to the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. An amazing series in my opinion. Anyway, I was very excited because I got to see Siebold Adelbertsmiter for the first time. :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Notebook Junkie
I just bought a $5.00 notebook at the bookstore. I think I'm in love.
It's adorable! With little swirlies and turtles in blue. And it's made out of banana paper. Go green? (Eat a chimney, save a tree!) And it's got a folder pocket in it and everything!
And why did I spend money when I still have to perfectly good notebooks back at the dorm? Because of NaNoWriMo of course!
I can't use just any plain old notebook for NaNo! (I am way too excited about this.) I'm going to plot and plan (evil plots, evil plans), and write up some descriptions (*gulp*), and even paste in some pictures! The pictures are my goal for the weekend. I'm so bad at envisioning characters that I've decided I need some help.
Oh, and I might want to come up with names for more than two of my characters. Heh. Hehe. Yeah.
Only two more days til I meet Cadence. 'Tis am very 'cited. Yuppers.
Love!
Monday, September 14, 2009
More Free Time
History class got canceled again today. Professor Evans is sick again. I'm starting to get a little worried about her. But at least I'll actually have time to read Othello and stay caught up on all my homework.
I finished my paper this morning 20 minutes before class started. (Breakfast was a granola bar.) I don't think it was half bad. It was only 4 pages, but I ended up with 5 sources, and I was trying not to fluff it up, you know? No need to practice for NaNo on my English papers. That could be bad. She actually gave as the new prompts today, so we'll get four weeks to work on it instead of just two. Thank God. I might have a couple free weekends to really work on it this time! I even know which one I want to do. It's something I've been interested in, but don't know a lot about, so I might actually enjoy the research. :)
I spoke to both Katie and Cadence today, and it's looking like we'll get to meet up either end of this week or next Friday. It could've been this Friday, but there's a Language Department picnic then that Katie and I both want to go to. I just have to get some cash for the ticket... or I could pay all in change. *grins* Either way works. 'Tis exciting. Katie is going to try to recruit people to join up with us since she knows some writer friends (or should that be fiends?) I told her about the posters, and we'll both be doing that come October. Only two more weeks!
I also mentioned about hosting a few write-ins over at Book and Bean to her, and she actually lives next door to the owners! We'll have to talk to the ML about it, but it sounds like a good bet.
Okay, so off to read Othello before work. Good day, all!
Love, Ashley
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Accomplishments... and Procrastination
I have accomplished much today, just none of the really urgent things. *cough, cough* ESSAY! *cough, cough* We walked a mile to Aldi's and spent all of our cash (a whole seven bucks) excepting two dollars in change. The check-out lady was amused. I've done all my laundry, and Kristen is actually doing hers now.
And, this is probably the most impressive, I opened the mailbox all on my own. Twice. And discovered within my pay stub! Woo-hoo, I have money again! 'Tis very exciting as you might imagine.
I have read up a bit on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, but what I really need to do is go to the library and beg on the reference librarian for help. I work so much better with paper.
Maybe some lunch first would be wise. I'm shaking again. Humph.
Love,
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Decameron
I think I did pretty well on the test. I was still totally on a high from my talk with Katie, so I was rather cheerful. The two questions she gave were the ones I thought were the absolute easiest. I think she might have done that on purpose and just given us the others to make us think. o.O So, I got to ramble about corruption in the Catholic Church, and I actually remembered all the names of the characters. Thank God. :)
I just realized I'm still shaking though. Those darned times tests always do this to me. Annoying. Pff, whatever, I'm still excited about NaNoWriMo. I want to plot, but I really need to do homework. I think I need to relax some first though. German is going nowhere because my brain is just fried. I get it all done. Totally.
After all, I have NaNo to inspire me!
Writing Buddy!
I am so excited! After German class today, Katie and I walked to lunch together and started talking. We ended up eating together, and we have a lot in common. She is a double English/German major, wants to be an editor, and loves to read and write. She also loves fantasy in particular. Very cool. Anyway, amidst all this chatting I brought up NaNoWriMo. She found out about it last year in November, and she's going to do it with me this year!
I'm so happy right now, I'm shaking. I have a writing buddy! She said she's going to make an account today and add me as a buddy. Yay!
On another random note, she has also entered the Writers of the Future contest before, and her story is also the only one she's completed. Hehe.
Best go study for history. EEEeee!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Tests and Drives
Well, I was wrong about the book test date that I was semi panicking about. Not quite sure how I did it, but I wrote the wrong date in my planner. Oops. While at least now I'm pretty prepared and I actually have an opportunity to send in practice essays. Look at the bright side.
I went to the blood drive today. I was all pumped for it, and I go through all the paperwork and questions.... and they can't find a vein. *sigh* I think the guy was sort of puzzled, because he said he couldn't even feel any veins down deep. So I got sent on without donating. Well, I guess I still got a free t-shirt and a Chipotle gift card, so not all's lost. Still, though, I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to being able to give blood. Just such a cool thought, you know?
Maybe I'll try again next year. (Hey, Mom, my first free tee! *giggles*)
Okay, so I really have nothing else to write about, and I really need to finish math and start reading drama before heading off to work! So, I guess I'll leave off here.
Love,
Shine~Ley
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
And after the long weekend...
It's back to school. *sighs* Ah well. Classes went well, and homework isn't too bad. I'll manage. And it's CRU tonight! Tuesday's are the best. :)
Jessica, who is in my Life Group, came to sit with me at lunch, which was very nice, and then Jessica #2, who is on the drum line with Jessica #1 and in my Intro to Drama class, joined us. It made for a very enjoyable meal, even if all of us wished we didn't have another class to go to tonight. *smiles* Anyway, I'll be sitting with Jessica at CRU tonight, which is sooo nice. Jessica #2 might be coming, as well as Kristen, and I'm going to ask Dominque. Here's hoping!
So, I guess this was just a quick note while procrastinating on homework! Tomorrow's hump day, all!
Love,
Shine~Ley
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Life Group
I went to my Life Group tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. :) Of course, there were only four of us tonight, but still. It was like girl talk but with Christian girls. How refreshing!
Okay, so it wasn't all girl talk. Allison read some of Matthew 25, the part when the Son of Man divides the sheep from the goats, "Whatever you did for the least of these...", etc. So we talked about helping "the least of these", even when we really didn't want too, and who has been like that to us. It seemed very appropriate, because that very thing has been coming up a lot lately it seems like. The only problem is how to help. I really just don't know! Maybe I'll talk to Mom some this weekend.
All in all, it was great. I'm really glad I screwed up my courage and went. :) And Allison said she was willing to give me a ride to her church! I miss church. I'm happy, but I really should read "Everyman".
Love!
Huh?
Walking back to my dorm from math class I hear the school marching band playing....
Evanescence's Bring Me to Life
Huh?
I honestly don't know what to say about that, except.... weird.
Anywho.....
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Free Time!
History class is canceled! Normally I wouldn't be quite so glad about this, but I have a ton of homework to do. I didn't do any of yesterday's homework yesterday because I was doing German, so I have all that on top of today's. At least the German today looks a little less time-consuming. Whew!
So really, I guess it isn't free time, just more time. Thank God.
CRU last night was really good. They had a guest speaker from a neaby church who had a really awesome message, and I even got to sit with someone I know! Dominique came with me, though she left so quickly at the end that I didn't get to ask her what she thought. I know she was tired, so was I!, but it was awful quick.... Anyway, here's hoping and praying she comes next week.
Kristen my roommate was supposed to come with me too, but she got... distracted. She felt really bad about it this morning. Everyone was tired. I think she's struggling more than she lets on, but I really don't feel right going into it here. Just pray, eh? She's got a good heart in there... somewhere. *smiles*
Ah! Only two days of school and work left and then it's the weekend!!! *is so excited* I can survive.... I just have to do the homework!
Love,
Shine~Ley
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Mein Haus
"Mein Haus ist ein alte Bauernhaus mit zwei Stockwerken. Das erste Stockwerk hat einen teilweisen Wand, es in zwei Zimmers zu teilen. Die grosse Haelfte gehoert mir. Die gruenen und braunen Waende sind leer. Ein Wand ist ein langes Buecherregal. Ich habe vielen Stapels der Buecher unter den Buecherregaln, weil ich zu viel Buecher hat! Der Fensterplatz ist braun und hat flauschigen Garn und Decken innen er. Ich moege zu sitzen und mein schoenes Buecher zu lesen!"
Look at that thing! Do you know how many hours that took?! Gah!!
*sighs and goes off to finish her German assignment*
CRU tonight anyhow.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Took us long enough....
But we finally finished the roommate agreement last night. Only three days late! Tess didn't even yell at us or anything.
Yes, we are so accomplished. *rolls eyes*
So, we totally ate chocolate and worked on this at like 9 at night, 'course it was seven when we started planning, but honestly, we aren't the snappiest bunch around. o.O
But still, one more thing scratched off the list.
And how many more added? Let's see, I finally started reading The Decameron last night, which is very good since I need to write at least two essays about it before next week. *gulps* And we got our prompts for our first English essay. She tells us to pick the one that no one else wants to do, but how the heck do I know which one that is? Well, at least German went well today. And the homework doesn't look too hard. Did you know that in German the indirect object can come before the verb and subject? Yeah, neither did I.
History-121 have I in an hour and a half (See, it just sounds wierd in English.), so I have time to read my English and maybe some German. Then tonight I have work. Meh. I'll survive.
Other thinks to do tonight:
Go to Walgreens and get some freakin' batteries!
Show Liz conversion technique (so I don't have to stay up to midnight giving instructions :\ )
Thinks to do.... in this lifetime:
Work on scholarship essays
Finish Gingham Mountain
Visit the library
e-mail Tasha
....Sleep?
Find fellow WriMos!
Okay, I'll stop procrastinating now. *grins*
Love,
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Post Visitation Lassitude
I have a severe case. For supper I ate Lucky Charms with soy milk and an apple. Amazing the things you miss, eh? Anyway, I suppose I'll get over it quickly enough. I'll have work and school to keep me busy the rest of the week and then it's Labor Day! Thank God for holidays. I wouldn't survive without them.
So I got the rough draft of my German phone conversation down. I'm not sure that the grammar makes any sense, but hey, what I got's, I got's. Now I just have to try to polish it up some. At least he didn't specify a length to it. It's the small things, yeah?
*wanders off humming: "Magic makes the monster sleepy....*
*wanders back, still humming* P.S. I really want to see "9" now. :D
Friday, August 28, 2009
It's the Weekend!
And the homework isn't too hard, so I am set! I talked to my German professor Stephen Hollender today, and I think I'll do okay in the class I'm in without dropping down a level, for which I am very glad. We did lose a couple students, but I think where we are now is a good place for me to pick up. And part of my German homework is a crossword puzzle. *grins* It's already half done, 'cause I was working on it while talking to Mom and Crystal this afternoon in between classes. I love crosswords. I love German. :)
I get to see people tomorrow! Yet another amazing delight of the weekend. People that I know you see. Mom and Dad and Crystal and possibly Nathan are coming to see me. Which makes me feel slightly guilty, but incredibly happy.
I plugged in my speakers today, which also makes me happy, because it was just in time to hear Family Force 5's "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U". Love that song. It's even better with good speakers!
I also got my calculator today. It was kinda wierd, because it came with like this wristband and a random and one of those paper-thin plastic rulers and some coupons! It was very strange. But whatever, they were very prompt, not to mention cheap, so I'm happy. *smiles*
Okay, my brain is totally phasing out, so I'm going to go find something less thought-intensive and then do some homework.
Auf Wieder...sprechen?
Love,
P.S. I 'membered the other thing I wanted to say! I plotted for NaNoWriMo last night (yes, while procrastinating on homework), so now I'm all raring to go. Only... two months? EEEeeee!
Gah, it's storming again. :P
P.P.S. Oh my gosh, they have web badges!!! *is sooooo excited* Look! (Clicky here.)
It's been a good day, if you can't tell. My brain is easily distractable.
P.P.P.S. (Hey, Crystal, this remind you of something?) Scroll down, I'm showing my pride in the sidebar!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Addendum
The only problem with my amazing job is that my hands stink like latex. I've finally found a good use for Warm Vanilla lotion!
Math is totally going to kill me.
RadioU is a life saver. Or sanity saver. Whatever. Thank God in Heaven for wireless internet and live streaming.
Love.
CRU
So last night was the first Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU.) meeting. They actually had a free cookout beforehand, which drew a lot of people. Freshmen, free food.... Yeah, they go together. It was good food too.
But the food was not why I am going to go every week. Mainly because they don't have food every week. *grins* It's the people, and the service. Oh my gosh, I did not realize how much I needed that until I got there. I totally cried on my walk back to the dorm, just because I was so happy. Even though this week has been going really well, it's been extremely stressful. CRU is just such a beautiful way to unwind.
I also signed up for a Life Group, which is just a little Bible study. They have a lot of them all over campus and on different nights, so there's no excuse not to join one! The one I signed up for is Thursday evenings which I think will work well for me. And I really need to do this, to stay involved.
Okay, I need to read Oedipus before history class starts, so I'm going to run. Post again soon!
Shine~Ley
Monday, August 24, 2009
First Day
Gosh, I am tired and sore! But happy! So, here goes.
I woke up at like seven for, well, no particular reason. So I got up and ready and sat around for a few minutes watching Liz rush around. She had a 8:15 class. Then I got moving and went over to Lang to sign my papers. I met some of the Lang ladies who are all really nice, and had breakfast. Then I meandered over to the CyberCafe and got on the computer for while before heading for my first class.
All the professors I met today seemed really nice and helpful so that's good. And my history prof is snarky to boot, so it will make for some entertaining lectures for sure. My English workshop and my German class are both discussion classes, and you are expected to talk! In English that's a major part of your grade. And in German, well, he just asks you a question in German and you get to try to answer it!
Once I got back to the dorm, I only had about twenty minutes to sit and cool off before heading off to the kitchen, 'cause I got stuck in the bookstore for like a half hour trying to buy some Blue Books for history class. At least they were cheap.
So I headed over to Lang and met some more people, including a couple other work study students, Andrew, who's apparently been there forever *grins*, and Jon, who's a freshman that I've met before. I'm not sure if I'll be working with them any other days than Monday, but we'll see! Anyway, we sat down and ate right away. All the food was ready, but the dining hall doesn't officially open til 4:30, I think. There were a couple of people down there anyway, so if I'm right about the time, they aren't real strict. Then I got to help Carmen and Peg alot of the time, with a few random jobs in between. I'll get introduced to my "real" job tomorrow, which is helping with salad prep. Lang makes the salads for their dining hall and the Union so I imagine there's a lot to do. The lady I'll be working with wasn't in this evening (Kathy, I think?), so that's why I was sort of doing odd jobs. Whatever. I'll find out more tomorrow!
Okay, I'm really tired, but luckily, I don't have hardly any homework yet! So I'm going to finish reading my English assignment and collapse!
Shine~Ley
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Job!!
I have a job! I am so excited. I got the phone call right before I was about to leave for lunch, and afterwards I ran down the stairs chanting, "Thank God, thank God, thank God...." And then I called Mom on my walk to the Union. YaY! So happy.
I am working in Food Services, namely food prep, and I'm not working at the Union but over at Lang Hall, which is the only res hall with a dining hall in it. And it's just across the street which is really nice, especially for the evening shifts. I'm working Tuesday and Thursday 8:00-9:30 and Monday and Wednesday 4:00-7:00. Haha, and that's four free meals a week! I'll be working 9 hours a week then, not too much, but enough to give me something to do and money. It starts Monday, so I might as well get used to getting up early!
I'm making some potential friends, so that's good. There's Grace, of course, from orientation. Then there's her roommate Carly, and their suitemate.... and I can't remember her name! But we all started talking after the Convocation yesterday, and so I met Kaeli, Dominique, and a couple other girls, and we talked for a few hours.
Yeah, there was nothing to do yesterday. *grins* I think the only things I need to do tomorrow are go to church and the involvement fair. And nothing else.
Gosh, I can't wait til Monday.
Shine~Ley
P.S. Nathan, I really hope to never see that picture in my life. :)
P.P.S. Hehe, I just won a book, but, Mom, I gave her my home address. It's Mary Connealy's newest, so if you want to open and read it, that's fine. *grins* Wow, this has been a good day.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Settled In
Everyone, hello from Berea, Ohio! I'm sitting in my dorm room on the top bunk (and liking it, surprisingly), typing this after a rather hectic day so far. Fortunately there's only supper and a game night this evening so I can hang out and cool off.
It's quiet just now because my roomies, Kristen and Liz, went off exploring the dorm with a couple of friends, but they're both very nice, and I think we'll get along all right. Thank God, eh?
We have this huge, beautiful bank of windows on one wall that we all adore, not least because it has a nice view of the field. Heh. Fortunately it faces in a north-westerly direction, so we won't get early morning sunshine in our eyes.
All the freshmen took a class picture today, which we all felt ridiculous doing, because we're all squinting into the sun up at a guy with a camera up in a cherry-picker. And to make it all just humiliating, we were lined up to form a B-W. Yeah, I know, it was bad. :)
Tonight at 9, we have a meeting with our RA, so that will probably be informative.
Tomorrow will be a busy day too, with lots of optional things in the morning and evening. And of course I have to go talk to people in College Relations about work study. *gulps* Now if only we could figure out when the cafeteria opens for breakfast...
Miss you all already! Lots of love...
Shine~Ley
Sunday, July 05, 2009
A Happy 4th and a Happy 1st
Yesterday was long and loud, but happy. Lucas was adorable as per usual, though kinda tired by the end of it all. Poor kid didn't get a nap. But all's well that ends well, and it was a good first birthday party, spaghetti in cake and all. Too bad the kid won't remember it. o.O
And on the way there, we got to stop at Half-Price Books. I did very well for myself. *nods and smiles* Seven books, all clearance, including one A Tolkien Miscellany. Total? $10.09. Boo-yah. Hehe.
I sneezed a couple times on the way home, you know, but didn't really think anything of it. I should've. I have a cold. Again. Honestly, I'm just sick and tired of getting sick. Bleh. Does it never end? I had better get over this quickly. I have places to go and people to see this weekend! And Natasha on Thursday!
Today I'm working on scholarships galore, since I stayed home from church. If I don't hurry up and get to writing the essay part, I think my eyeballs are going to explode from staring at he screen too long. I that would certainly cut my writing career short, now wouldn't it?
Oh, and another contest naturally. *grins*
Well, hope you had a good Fourth! Go out and watch Independence Day everyone!
Shine~Ley
Friday, July 03, 2009
The Last Month... In a Nutshell?
Well, since Nathan is begging.... and since I haven't posted anything in over a month, I'll actually write something for y'all! (Plus it is a really slow day at the library. Bleeeehhhh.)
So the graduation and the party are over. I managed to not hyperventilate and pass out on stage, though there were a couple minutes when I wondered. And, gosh darn it, it is hot up on that stage! Talk about headache. But supper afterwards at the Spaghetti Warehouse... amazing! And a lot of fun. Let's see... Spaghetti with Garlic Butter Sauce and Mozzarella Fritte? I believe that's how you spell it. Anyway, it's fried mozzarella cheese. Good stuffs. No room for dessert unfortunately. And of course we got presents. *grins* Crystal, Richard, and I all got plaques for finishing Bible (and boy did we deserve them). Richard got Saving Erasmus, because, you know, no one ever gets him anything off of his list. He was happy.
I was happy too. I got this big, freakin' huge German-English Dictionary. Amazing. I plan to find a free day one of these months and just enjoy browsing through it. Ginormous, seriously. Love it.
Of course, once I got home, I crawled into bed and.... cried. Gotta love post-stress breakdown.
The party was... not as bad as I thought it could have been. (Yeah, ya get that?) I nearly started crying (yet again) before it even started, but ate some food and calmed down. Amazing what a good taco can do for the nerves.
Once the people started coming, I smiled and hugged and talked (or more like nodded and inserted appropriate noises), and Mom stuck close by to handle the talkative people, and I dragged Nathan into it when she left me (that uber-bright flash works wonders), and I slugged back like eight cups of punch. Unfortunately the "sorry-gotta-run-to-go-pee" part of the plot didn't kick in til it was almost over. Worth a shot though. Darn good bladder. Hmph.
The money, the money was good though. Although, when I got home and everyone was insisting that I open it, I was so exhausted that I didn't really care. Plus on the verge of a breakdown that never really came. And wishing that I didn't have to write so many darn thank you notes!
So, I survived, made some money, and am dealing with the aftermath. I even managed to be somewhat cheerful the next day when the schoolkids all went out to East of Chicago. Num. Though Nathan didn't feel good.
So, tomorrow is Lucas's birthday party with lots of people... but a cute baby too. And I get to go to Half-Price Books. *insert evil laugh here* And deliver thank you notes. I'm sure it'll balance out somehow. :P
And next weekend is orientation at BW. Overnight orientation even. *gulps* But I'll survive. And, hey!, maybe one or both of my roommates will be at that orientation too. I can hope, right? Because even if I don't have someone I know there, at least I could have someone I'm going to know. Whatever.
And in other news, naturally there's a contest. But I won't post it til I get home, 'cause I have to get the graphic off my computer. So that'll wait a few hours, but I'll get it here.
God bless,
Shine~Ley
P.S. Gosh, maybe I should write at work more often! This is pretty darn long!
Edit [later]: So here it is!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Oops
I've been meaning to write a post for day, but I keep forgetting. My head sometimes, okay, most times, I just don't know where it gets off to. *shakes head in pondersome disbelief*
So, the thing is, I've finally brought a baby into the world. No, not a squalling flesh-and-blood newborn (I'm so not ready for that!), but a very quiet, paper one. I printed out my short story "Speed Demon" and passed it on to my family to proofread for me. *gulps*
As if that isn't bad enough, it's only the beginning. Once I get it back, I'm going to send it in to Writers of the Future. (Sounds kinda... onerous, doesn't it?) Anyway, it's a quarterly contest. The top three of every quarter are awarded cash prizes. (Money is... nice, handy.) At the end of the year, the four first-place winners are re-judged, and one is chosen to receive an additional (holy chocolate!) $5,000 more. Yeah. And then, to top it all off (sorta like a cherry, 'cepting I don't like those, soooo... whipped cream?), all twelve stories are published in a yearly anthology. This year is, like, somewhere in the 20s.
Yeah, like, dude. o.O
So winning would be major, obviously. But just the fact that I'm really doing this... That's the miracle. God's hand at work apparently, because there is no way I am this brave on my own! Giving my baby to strangers... to critique! 'Ipes!
I always knew my dear Speed Demon, my Daithi, was special. Close to my heart, he and Axelle and their little Coy. Must have something to do with all those full moons. Madness strikes a body at times like those.
So wish luck and Godspeed to my babies, all grown up. Soon they shall be journeying without me.
Here's hoping I don't get empty nest sydrome... *considers briefly her collection of tales started and waiting patiently...* Okay, so that probably won't be a problem. *grins*
Shine~Ley
Monday, May 18, 2009
Contests...
...Simply 'cause I haven't posted in way too long. So...
I don't believe I have mentioned on here about Bitten By Books Birthday Bash, which is seriously a huge month long event, which is okay, half over, but still. Huge. A contest everyday, plus a few specials thrown in, and a weekly poll contest, and the usual stuff. Oi.
Then there's A Week of Pure Passion over at My Friend Amy's. I loved A Passion Most Pure, the first book in the Daughters of Boston series, and am very excited about A Passion Denied, so of course I had to spread the word on this one. *grins*
Then there's this contest...
If you've ever wanted an e-book reader, or a bunch of free books (*grins*), here's your chance. Just spread the word! Easy enough.
And as for little me update, all I'm saying is... I hate essay writing. Who needs money anyway? (Other than, uh, me.)
To a better life,
Shine~Ley
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Randomness
Whew, I feel like I've been on the internet all day! Oh wait, I have. But the good news is that I've managed to apply for a scholarship today! Now what were those other things I wanted to mention on here....
Well, Shelfari was one of them. I've got an account, and it's a lot of fun! You can check me out here. Speaking of, I need to update some things there... Gosh, where has the time gone today?!
Okay, just completed another application. *pants* I need to get off this thing! Well, first I gotta print a couple things. Then make supper. Then I can read. Yay! Dark-Hunters, here I come!
Shine~Ley
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
AAAHH!! (and another Contest *grins*)
All this college stuff is happening too darn fast, I tell you! I'm getting envelopes, like, every day from BW with more stuff I need to deal with. And I'm trying to hunt down scholarships/grants/free money. Take my advice on this. College junk *coughs*, I mean applications and financial aid, is not something to procrastinate about. No matter how busy your life seems at the time, trust me, it only gets busier!
Other then my brief, daily panic attacks, really, I'm doing well. *insert skulls-head grin* School is, comparatively, winding down. Thank God. Work is, well, work, but it's fairly good money too, so we deal, yes? I found a good scholarship search site, http://www.fastweb.com/. Let me just say, I'm going to be writing essays like mad. I'll survive it though. Good for me, right?
And a contest, naturally. If you like paranormal romance (like me, heh) you have to check out Anya Bast's blog. Holy cow, yeah? And of course, Lori Devoti still has her Full Moon of Werewolves going on for a few more days!
Shine~Ley
Monday, March 30, 2009
Finally!!!
Today it finally finally came. After I opened it I just sat on the couch and let out a big sigh of relief. Finally. This step is over. I have been officially accepted to Baldwin-Wallace college.
Very, very exciting news! Now I just have to wait for the FAFSA info and the financial aid packet... I can do this. College. Crows, that just seems impossible. I'm only 17! (Going on 18... *gulp*) God help me. o.O
So. One thing down. How many left again? Never mind... Don't want to count yet. Let the happy feeling last a while, you know?
Can't think of anything else to say just now, whether of importance or not, so... Shine all!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MAX
Has anyone 'round here read the Maximum Ride series? I just found out the other day that book 6, Max, was out when I ran across a pretty sweet contest at Marta's. I definitely like the Max Ride books. *grins* Though The Final Warning, book 5, didn't quite live up to my expectations. Still, I have high hopes for Max. I can't help it. She's just so... stubborn. :-)
Anyway, if you like the books or ever wanted to check them out, get over to Marta's Meanderings! She's giving away not one, but four sets of the entire series. The contest ends on March 31. All you have to do is leave a comment, so pop on over!
Speaking of MAX... I just watched Max Payne last night. Very good movie. It managed to be ver graphic without being gory at all, a rather weird combination. Overall, it gave it a very odd feel. Not a bad odd. More of an Odd-Thomas-odd. Good odd. *smiles* That last scene though, the one after the credits? It makes me go all, "Awww, Max and Mona!" You know, in that "Nick-and-Nora" voice. Yeah....
In a final tidbit of Ashley-loves-contests-news, Lori Devoti is hosting like, the supreme werewolf blog party (my term ;-) ) over at her place more officially called The Full Moon of Werewolves (the party that is, not "her place"). There's lots of fun prizes and the posts are just fun. She's got a ton of authors stopping by to chat about their books and weres. I'm starting a list. *grins* And I'm thinking I need to see what this Blood and Chocolate is about.
I'm trying to post a bit more regularly, so (hopefully) see you next week!
Enjoy!
Shine~Ley
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Visit
It's been a week since my visit to Baldwin-Wallace, and I've really been meaning to post about it, but... It hasn't happened. What can I say, I've been busy. I haven't written Shaela back either, and that was last Tuesday. Shame... I really need to do that.... this weekend. Heh.
Anyway, the Visit. It went very well, for all that I was nervous enough that I felt like I could throw up. We went into the admissions building (Bonds) and everyone was very nice, though Grace Chalker, the councilor we were set up to meet, wasn't in yet. So we sat, and lots of nice people came up to talk to us. One man comes up and says, "You're Ashley? From Crestline? Hi, I'm Dick Fletcher..." He was from Crestline also, and so naturally had to come down to meet us. He talked about some other students from Crestline, including one lady who majored in English and is now the VP of Reader's Digest. Holy cow. Ending when Grace came in, he gave me his card, saying, "If the others don't treat you right, you come to me." On the way home in the van, Mom asks me, "So what's his position, does his card say?" Oh, it did, and Mom was very grateful she didn't know it when we were talking to him. Dick Fletcher is the senior vice-president of BW!
Well, we went in to talk with Ms. Chalker, which went well. Whew! Mom gave her my transcript and the other documents they wanted for application. Grace looked them over and they were fine! Thank God above. Mom just about passed out from relief. That completed my application officially, and Grace said that I should be hearing back in a week or two. And she seemed pretty positive that I would be accepted considering our discussion moved on to the Honors program, which she's says I will very likely be invited to join. So... still waiting impatiently for the letter, but I should hear in the next week. o.O
After all that discussion about financial aid (13,600 in my pocket so far! and I'll get the finaid packet with the hopeful acceptance letter), and what I want to do, etc... We were introduced to Cindy (or Chinkle *grins*), who was student tour guide. She is a sophomore and is majoring in... business? if I remember aright. We toured south campus, hitting the Union last, which has the cafeteria and the restaurant... that I can't remember the name. We all got a free lunch on the college. And a very good lunch at that. Mom got some directions back to Bonds to rest, while Dad and I continued on with Cindy for a breeze-through of north campus.
On the way to north campus, we ducked into the rec center, and then we hit the library after crossing Bagley. North campus is where Cindy's resident's hall is, so after a quick point and label session, we went up two flights of the three to her room, and spotted a friend of Cindy's in the hall, Brandi (I think it was with an i...). (I think Cindy is friends with just about everyone. *smiles*) Cindy: "Is your room cleaner than mine?" Brandi, peering into her room specutively, shrugs: "Probably." Cindy: "Would you mind me showing your room...." etc. And so we got a brief glimpse of Brandi's room. Apparently, all the dorms come with a bed, a desk, a dresser, and some form of closet/wardrobe. A good thing that. And so we headed back to south campus to pick up Mom, and then... home.
Long day... but a good one. I felt very happy at the end of the day. I would really like to go there. Yep. Now, if only I wasn't so nervous all over again.
In other good news, I have finished grammar, and punctuation looks like it should be pretty quick. Thank God.
Shine~Ley
Sunday, March 08, 2009
And the Winners Are....
The anticipation is starting to get to me! :D Thank you all so much for participating and making my first giveaway just that much more fun.
And now, for the moment we've all been waiting for... (Well, I have at least.)
The winner of Cape Refuge is... Deedles!
The winner of Western Weddings is... Allison!
The winner of True Courage is... Rue!
The winner of Death on the Nile is... toohotforturtle!
The winner of The Ultimatum is... Valorie!
I've sent e-mails to all of the winners. If you think you should have gotten an e-mail and didn't, feel free to contact me at ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com. If I don't hear back from the winners by next Sunday, the 15th, I'll be drawing new winners.
Again, thank you so much for participating! This has been a really fun experience for me.
God bless!
Shine~Ley
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
My First Ever Giveaway!
Be excited... be very excited. Okay, maybe that's just me, but, hey! free books. That's always a reason to be excited.
So I have five books to give away. I'm trying to clean of my shelves a bit here. Working at a library where they constantly get in new books to put on the sale shelf... and getting to look at them first since I work there.... Not a good thing, at least for my poor shelves. I can hear them upstairs rejoicing now. o.O
Anyway, first up is.... Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock, because weirdly enough, I have two copies of this book.
Two bodies, one spear gun, and a murder suspect. But did Morgan Cleary’s husband really kill her parents?
A brutal double-murder has struck fear into the heart of the peaceful Cape Refuge community. The crime weapon belongs to the victims’ son-in-law, but Police Chief Cade remains unconvinced that his best friend took the lives of Thelma and Wade Owens. The Owens’ ministry, a halfway house, shelters individuals far more questionable than Jonathan Cleary. Now people are concerned that it may house a murderer who could strike again.
Shattered by her parents’ deaths, Morgan Cleary struggles to keep Hanover House running while her husband sits in jail. Her sister, Blair, is no help. Blair wants no part of her dead parents’ ministry or their Christian faith. She wants to sell the house — until her determined search to find the true killer uncovers some startling findings. A lethal race against time ensues for Morgan, Blair, and Cade, with far more than Hanover House at stake.
May I just say, really good book. *smiles*
Next is Western Weddings by Jillian Hart, Kate Bridges, and Charlene Sands.
Rocky Mountain Bride by Jillian HartSavannah Knowles arrives in Montana expecting to marry Nate Brooks, but he has never heard of her! Can this quiet man find room in his heart for lonely Savannah?
Shotgun Vows by Kate Bridges
Milly Thornbottom has a crush on Mountie Weston Williams, and one stolen kiss changes their lives! After they're marched straight to the altar, can her crush possibly develop into more?
Springville Wife by Charlene Sands
Grace Lander returns to Springville to pick up the pieces of her life and become the town's schoolmarm. Single father Caleb Matlock's kiss may be just what Grace needs to mend her heart and make a home!
Warning: This book is secular and may be explicit.
And next... True Courage by Dee Henderson.
Someone snatched his cousin's wife and son. FBI agent Luke Falcon is searching for a kidnapper and sorting out the crime. He's afraid it's the work of a stalker. He's afraid they're already dead, and he'll do anything required to get them back alive--he just didn't plan on falling in love with the only witness.
Uncommon Heroes: Welcome to a world where friendships go deep, loyalties stand strong, and uncommon heroes perform the toughest jobs in the world. Dee Henderson's military romance series provides a detailed passage into the world of the military and homeland heroes, and those they love.
I don't know about you, but I can never resist Hercule Poirot. Even if all my family thinks I'm weird. So, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.
A honeymoon with murder. The Scene: An exotic cruise in the land of the ancient Pharoahs. The Victim: She made such a lovely bride. Alas, a tiny round bullet hole just above her right ear had interrupted what seemed to be a perfect honeymoon. The Suspects: The boat was crawling with them, including the ex-girl friend of the groom who said she just came along for the ride - and the groom himself who had at least a couple dozen million motives ($) for murder. The Clues: A dainty pearl-handled revolver, a string of stolen pearls and an initial scrawled in blood. The Solution: Even the great Hercule Poirot couldn't put the pieces together in time to prevent the murderer from striking again!
And last but not least! The Ultimatum by Nancy Moser.
Annie and Cal McFay live a normal life with their eight-year-old daughter Avi in Steadfast, Kansas. Until another man comes into Annie's life - Jesus Christ. She tries to explain to Cal and Avi the difference Jesus has made in everything, but Cal isn't willing to "give in" to God and change his way of life. He gives Annie the ultimatum: Choose Jesus or me. Then the family is taken hostage by thieves. Negotiations get desperate. Annie can't let Cal risk his life for them, not when his salvation is uncertain. The situation comes to a climax, and the whole town of Steadfast is left to make sense of the ultimate sacrifice...
All these books are used, but gently. I don't like worn-out books, so I try to take care of mine!
Okay, the next step is easy enough. Just leave me a comment saying which books you would like to have your name put in the hat for. Any, all, one, two, whichever ones. On sunday I'll draw names and notify a winner. Please, please, leave an e-mail address or some other way for me to contact you!
I will ship anywhere... I hope. *smiles* I don't have any problems with shipping internationally, so everybody dive in and enjoy. A big thanks to Book Room Reviews for hosting the carnival!
Enjoy! Oh, and be sure to check out the other giveaways going on! I know I'm going to.
The Pre-Post
Hey, it sounds cute. :) But before I get started, I feel the need to apologize for my previous post, because it sounds delirious even to me. Unfortunately, that's just the way my mind seems to be running recently, but I'll try to keep everything less... chaotic.
I finally caught up with my yahoo e-mail, which has been sitting semi-dormant for a week. That naturally means I got entered in a few more contests (gosh, I love those things) and it means a couple other things too.
First, if you like sci-fi romance, check out Marta's Meanderings for a giveaway with a really cool sounding book. I've already entered if you haven't guessed. *grins* She also has a couple other giveaways going on.
Second, I found out that there's a Book Giveaway Carnival this week, which is just exciting! It means my giveaway will run a little shorter than I planned, but I think it'll be worth it. Plus, it's just fun.
Well, I'd better go eat supper, and then I'll be back to post the giveaway!
Shine~Ley
Monday, March 02, 2009
Random, hopefully sensical post
Insanely busy. I feel like I'm lost in the middle of my own house. Too much to do! This week I have to shop for Mom's present, and Thursday we're going to tour BW (eep!) and the party's on Saturday, after I get home from an 8 hour day at the library. Bleh... Oh, and I need to cook Dad's Flat Bread on Wednesday, and work Tuesday and Friday. I'm all full up.
I have no idea what all that was about, but I feel better now that it's out. :) Whew! So, I'm thinking of posting the drawing Wednesday *fingers crossed*, so spread the word! I'll have two... three... I don't know, at least three books, maybe more to give away. I just have to remember. That's the key.
I will survive this year, somehow. I'm learning all sorts of neat survival tricks: Do not think about tomorrow, whatever you do! Pick the three most important things, and accomplish those, feel happy. There is always a positive side. Always. Really. Even if you have to squint a bit and kinda tilt your head to the side.... Yeah, I'll make it, hopefully intact.
Next week isn't so bad, in fact. Mom's birthday is tuesday, and there's another meal with more people. (Yeah, somehow she got like uber special.) And saturday is shopping. I hate shopping, and I actually am sorta looking forward to this. Sorta. But that's positive. *need messenger bag, need messenger bag, need....*
Okay, this post makes pretty much zero sense, but it sorta represents how my brain feels just about now, if you really want to know.
Oh, last bits of random news. One, I got my official Jan-Feb '09 verifications for WriYe: 1913. Yeah, not much but it's something. Two, if you like YA fiction, check out here. There's a contest, but you need to go tonight. And the rest of the week, too, but... go tonight. If you don't and you need help, drop me a comment.
Dokey, definitely leaving now. God bless!
Shine~Ley
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Not Completely Braindead
I know, it's a shocker. I actually remembered what else I had planned for this weekend. Good on me.
I desperately need to straighten my room. Gah. I've just been so bleck about the whole situation that I've refused to mess with it. Unfortunately it does not take much unorganization to completely destroy a section of room that small, so.... help it needs. Much help. I also need to organize my history books in a way that make sense and make sure I know what I'm needing from the library next time we go. That means lists! Goodie! (Yes, that's genuine excitement.)
Okay, the only reason for this post was to make sure I didn't forget again, so... yup. Now off to answer my history questions and write my composition for today. Eechh.
Shine~Ley
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Free Stuff!
S. J. Day is having this really sweet "Get Marked Giveaway". I haven't read anything by her yet, but I need to. The covers are just so cool! Library here I come! And if the cover grabs your attention, head on over and sign up!
I'm Still Alive... and Breathing!
Yay me! I actually accomplished a lot this weekend. Well, sunday really. Saturday was work. Downstairs in the children's room. Booooring. I read through.... 17 months worth of Unshelved. Good comic.
Anyway, accomplished things, yes. I finished my application to Baldwin-Wallace, and am working on the other documents that I need to apply. I finally found the disadvantage of being homeschooled. Applying to college is just plain confusing. OSU's homeschooler policy is worse though. I'm still lost on that end of things. I really hope I'm accepted to BW. Heh.
I rather like the essay I wrote for the application. If you really beg, I might post it. Think Lawhead... I was.
So sunday, I mopped, washed my sheets and made my bed, wrote an essay, finished my application, wrote an e-mail to the admissions counselor about being homeschooled (and got a reply this evening!), finished reading my WRP book, and e-mailed Kat (who took over for Jill 'cause she's getting published in April!). Whew!
Next weekend won't be quite so bad. I just have to write my graduation essay (bleh), and clean the bathroom... That's all I can think of. Wow, that's nice.
I still need to do that giveaway, don't I? Huh, maybe... ooh, beginning of next month would be best. Somebody better remind me, or I'll forget. Again. :)
Speaking of giveaways.... look up!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
General Update...
cause I's a naughty 'un and ain't posted in like, for-ev-er. So first a pan-apology that the blog died and I sorta left its rotting corpse lying around. (What can I say, I have a morbid imagination.) I'm writing this for my laptop which is what a month and a half old. I'm still working on a name for the dear thing. Until then it gets called all sorts of weird endearments.
Okay, let's try to mention the big stuffs here. Laptop, check. WriYe 2009? Yes, I did sign up again. Who can resist a challenge right? I didn't hit the goal last year, which was 100,000 words. My official count was 80-some. Good enough for me. It's probably doubled the wordcount of my... life. I'm aiming for 100,000 semi-seriously this year also. Basically, if I get there it's a miracle. I'm not trying real hard, but I'm trying to enjoy the chances I have.
Next up is... college. Why not. I've partially applied to OSU and am planning to apply to BW and possibly (this one is iffy) IC. Who knows maybe something else will come up to. I'm just glad the whole college issue is moving somewhere. I'm going to college!
The last big thing that I can think of, is Crystal. She is moving in. Moved in. Somewhere in between? Anyway, we're working on her becoming legal ward of my parents, and fortunately her guardians aren't protesting. Else, 'twouldn't be pretty.
Beyond that, I'm holding done a job, striving to do school, trying not to have a mental breakdown, and keeping my sanity only through the amazing writing of authors like Briggs, Hamilton, Kenyon (And yes, I am a minion!), and Carey. Along with... way too many others to count. Mine own writing helps too. It's amazing what the feeling of accomplishment can do for a crushed ego.
Anyway, I'm hoping to have a contest sometime.... I found some doubles of books on my shelf. And somehow it doesn't surprise me. But until then, pray for me, yeah? I'll try to post more regularly here. Good for my sanity if nothing else.
Or maybe I'll just go all Zarek on everybody and throw cares to the wind....
Whatever. Shine~Ley
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